Method for upgrading data

ABSTRACT

A method for upgrading data in a system adapted to implementing one or more programs includes a) loading a new program into the system and a version adapter for changing the old data previously stored in the system; b) generating new data adapted to the new program by processing the old data using the version adapter; c) storing the generated new data in a separate memory area; d) determining whether the new program operates normally by implementing the new data; and e) deleting an old program and old data if the new program is determined to operate normally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for upgrading data usedfor operation of a system, and more particularly to a method forupgrading a processing system with new data and a new program byprocessing old data using a data version adapter, and the new programcan then be implemented in the processor using the new data.

[0003] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0004] A system is generally operated using a plurality of processors.As shown in FIG. 1, these processors normally include a program 12 anddata 14 stored in a storage medium which is to be used by the program.Processor 10 operates the program and the data to perform a specificfunction. The program 12 and the data 14 are separately stored in a testfield and a data field. The program 12 may be upgraded to improve orchange a function of the system. In this case, a data structure of theprogram may be changed after upgrading the program. In other words, adata structure adapted to an upgraded new program may differ from a datastructure before upgrading the program.

[0005] Meanwhile, an old program may be changed to a new programupgraded by uniform downloading. However, the data are not downloadeddue to bulk size, and a method for upgrading data in which attributes ofthe data used in the old program are only changed is applied to the newprogram.

[0006]FIG. 2 illustrates a case where there is a change in the number oftables, attributes and records in a data structure after data has beenupgraded. In the process of upgrading an old program which is operatingin a processor, if the processor is operated by loading new data withoutchanging a data structure of the old program (hereinafter, referred toas “old data structure”) which is operating in the processor beforeupgrading the program, the data structure of the new program differsfrom the data structure (old data structure) actually operating in theprocessor. This causes an error in the operation of the system.

[0007] To prevent system errors due to upgrading the program, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4, old data 44 of an old program 42 operating in theprocessor is backed up into an external device 100 in step S31. Then,the structure of the backed up old data 44 is changed to adapt to a newprogram 42 which will be loaded into the processor, thereby generatingnew data 54 in steps S32 and S33.

[0008] The external device changes the structure of the old data 44 togenerate the new data 54. Also, the external device stores the newprogram 52 which will be loaded into the processor and loads the newprogram 52 and the new data 54 into the processor 50. In other words,the new data 54 and the new program 52 are loaded into the processor instep S34, so that the new program 52 is implemented in the new program52 in step S35.

[0009] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, two processors, namely, an activeprocessor 40 and a standby processor 50, may be provided in the systemto stably operate the system. If two processors are provided in thesystem, the active processor which stores the old program 42 and the olddata 44 backs up the old data 44 into the external device 100 of thesystem. The data structure is then changed to adapt to the new program52 so that the new data 54 are generated. The data are upgraded in sucha standby loading way that the generated new data 54 and the new program52 are loaded into the processor 50.

[0010] A method for upgrading a program in case where two processors areprovided will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. It isassumed that the processor 40 (or the processor A) is active and theprocessor 50 (or the processor B) is on standby.

[0011] According to this method, the old data 44 stored in the processorA is backed up into the external device 100 of the system and then thestructure of the backed up old data 44 is changed to adapt to the newprogram 52 which will be loaded, thereby generating the new data 54 insteps S52 and S53. Both use the active processor and the standbyprocessor, which are operating with the old program and the old data, isstopped in step S54. The new data 54 and the new program 52 are loadedinto the standby processor B in step S55. Also, the processor A, whichis active, is changed to a standby state, and at the same time theprocessor B which is on standby is changed to an active state in stepS56. In step S57, it is determined whether the processor B into whichthe new program 52 and the new data 54 are loaded is normally operated.

[0012] If the processor B is normally operated, both processors areoperated in step S58. Then, in step S59, the new program 52 and the newdata 54 are copied from the processor B, which is active, to theprocessor A which is on standby.

[0013] However, if the processor B is not normally operated, theprocessor B is changed to a standby state and at the same time theprocessor A is changed to an active state in step S60. After the oldprogram 42 stored in the processor A is implemented in step S61, bothprocessors are operated to return to the state before upgrading theprogram and the data in step S62.

[0014] As described above, the conventional system upgrades data in sucha way that the data operating in the active processor A of the systemare backed up into the external device, so that the data structure maybe changed to adapt to the new program and the changed new data and thenew program may be loaded into the standby processor B. In this case,the following problems occur.

[0015] Since the operation of changing the data backed up into theexternal device of the system to the data structure adapted to the newprogram is performed by the processor off-line, much time is required.(Particularly, more problems occur in case of backed up data on anoverseas line). Also, the management (adding/deleting) of data andelements of the system is limited for a time period (severalhours˜several days) required to process the operating data to adapt tothe new program by backup. In other words, the conventional method forupgrading software has problems in that it fails to add/delete the dataand the elements of the system for a time period required to generatethe new data off-line by backing up the operating data and thus itrequires assistance of the off-line.

[0016] The above references are incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An object of the invention is to solve at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed hereinafter.

[0018] An object of the present invention to provide a method forupgrading a program, in which new data adapted to a new program, whichwill be loaded into a processor, are generated by processing old datausing a data version adapter, so that a time period required toadd/delete elements of the system is minimized within several minutesand stopping of service can be avoided, thereby stably managing thesystem.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-described objects of the presentinvention, there is provided a method for upgrading data in a processorthat can have a plurality of programs and data, comprising the steps of.loading a new program and a means for changing the data; generating anew data adapted to the new program by processing the data, which isoperating in the processor, using the means; storing the generated newdata in a separate memory area; determining whether the new program isnormally operated by implementing the new data; and deleting an oldprogram and old data if the new program is not normally operated.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oldprogram is implemented if the new program is not normally operated.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for upgrading data in a plurality of processors, comprising thesteps of: stopping both use of the processors; loading a first dataversion adapter into the first processor and loading a second dataversion adapter and a new program into the second processor;transmitting old data to the second data version adapter by means of thefirst data version adapter; generating and storing new data adapted tothe new program by processing the transmitted old data by means of thesecond data version adapter; changing the state of the processors;determining whether the new program is normally operated in the secondprocessor; deleting the old program and the old data if the new programis normally operated; and copying the new program and the new data intothe first processor.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for upgrading data in a plurality of processors, comprising thesteps of: stopping both use of the processors; loading a first dataversion adapter into the first processor and loading a second dataversion adapter and a new program into the second processor; generatingnew data adapted to the new program by processing old data by means ofthe first data version adapter and transmitting and storing the new datato and in the second data version adapter; changing the state of-theprocessors; determining whether the new program is normally operated;deleting the old program and the old data if the new program is normallyoperated; and copying the new program and the new data into the firstprocessor.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the methodfurther comprises the steps of: returning the changed processor to itsoriginal state if the new program is not normally operated; implementingthe old program stored in the first processor and deleting the newprogram and the new data stored in the second processor; and copying theold program and the old data into the second processor so as to enableboth use of the processors.

[0024] Therefore, the new data adapted to the new program, which will beloaded into the processor, are generated by processing the old datausing the data version adapter, so that a time period required toadd/delete elements of the system is minimized within several minutesand stop of service can be avoided, thereby stably managing the system.

[0025] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the inventionwill be set forth in part in the description which follows and in partwill become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realizedand attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

[0027] A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of theattendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similarcomponents, wherein:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a program and data storedin a processor;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a data structure changedafter upgrading a program;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a conventional method forupgrading data in a processor;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional method forupgrading data in double processors;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a conventional method forupgrading data in double processors;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a state where a dataversion adapter and a new program are loaded into a processor to upgradedata in accordance with the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading data inaccordance with the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a state where a dataversion adapter and a new program are loaded into a processor to upgradedata of double processors in accordance with the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading data indouble processors in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading datain double processors that generate new data in an active processor inaccordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038]FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading datain accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] A method for upgrading data in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a state where a dataversion adapter 62 and a new program 64 are loaded into a processor 600to upgrade a program in accordance with the present invention. The dataversion adapter 62 changes a structure of an old data 70 to adapt to anew program 64 which is upgraded, and generates and stores a new data 68by adding contents not included in the old data 70 if a new function isadded in accordance with upgrading the program. The data version adapterwill now be described in more detail.

[0041] The data version adapter 62 is a program that generates new datain accordance with a data rule of the new data by reading an old data.Examples of the data rule of the new data include a rule ofadded/deleted attributes, a rule of each attribute of added/deletedtuples, and a rule of a table when the table is added/deleted. The basicalgorithm is as follows.

[0042] 1) Information is sent to the data version adapter, which storesthe new data by reading the old data for each tuple of each tabletuple#, attribute1,2, . . . , n (in this case, the read data isdependent. That is, the read data is dependent upon the system).

[0043] 2) The data version adapter that stores the new data isprogrammed with the data rule of the new data.

[0044] 3) The data version adapter that stores the new data upgrades thereceived old data based on the data rule of the new data to therebygenerate the new data.

[0045] 4) The generated new data is stored in a memory area.

[0046] At this time, the processor 600 still stores the old program 66and the old data 70. This is to operate the processor 600 by means ofthe old program 66 and the old data 70 if the new program 64 and the newdata 68 are not normally operated in the processor 600.

[0047]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the method for upgrading datain accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Toupgrade the data operating in the processor 600, the data versionadapter 62 and the new program 64 are loaded into the processor 600 instep S71.

[0048] The data version adapter 62 loaded into the processor 600 readsthe old data 70 in accordance with the data structure of the old program66. Then, the data version adapter 62 changes the structure of the oldprogram 66 to adapt to the new program 64, and preferably at the sametime adds new contents not included in the old data 70 to generate thenew data 68 in step S72. The generated new data 68 is stored in a newmemory area so as not to overlap the memory area that stores the olddata 70 in step S73. This is because the old data should be used tooperate the old program if the new program is not normally operated, andto avoid collision between the old data and the new data, which mayoccur because the data version adapter generates the new data whilereading the old data.

[0049] Once the new data 68 having a structure and contents adapted tothe new program 64 is generated as above, the new data 68 is implementedby the new program 64 loaded into the processor 600 in step S74. In thiscase, it is determined whether the new program 64 is normally operatedin the processor 600 in step S75. If the new program 64 is normallyoperated in the processor 600, the old program 66 and the old data 70are deleted in step S76. If the new program 64 is not normally operatedin the processor 600, the old program 66 is again operated in step S77.Then, the system returns to the original state before the program andthe data are upgraded by deleting the new program 64 and the new data 68in step S78.

[0050] The method for loading the data version adapter 62 and the newprogram 64 into the processor 600 depends on each loading methodaccording to the system. To transmit a new package in the loadingmethod, there may be provided inter processor communication (IPC) of thesystem, LAN, and serial and parallel communication. The data versionadapter 62 and the new program, which are loaded into the processor, arestored in a storage medium such as a hard disk, a flash memory, adigital audio tape (DEAT), and a magneto optical disk (MOD).

[0051] A method for generating the new data by processing the old datawill now be described. Data attributes of the old data includeinterface, address, netmask, and speed. If the number of tuples of atable is 10, the data version adapter of the active processor sends datato the data version adapter of the standby processor by reading the datafrom the old data as follows.

[0052] [tuple(1), interface(if1),address(addr1),netmask(net1),speed(sp1)

[0053] tuple(2), interface(if2),address(addr2),netmask(net2),speed(sp2)

[0054] tuple(3), interface(if3),address(addr3),netmask(net3),speed(sp3)

[0055] tuple(4), interface(if4),address(addr4),netmask(net4),speed(sp4)

[0056] tuple(5), interface(if5),address(addr5),netmask(net5),speed(sp5)

[0057] tuple(6), interface(if6),address(addr6),netmask(net6),speed(sp6)

[0058] tuple(7), interface(if7),address(addr7),netmask(net7),speed(sp7)

[0059] tuple(8), interface(if8),address(addr8),netmask(net8),speed(sp8)

[0060] tuple(9), interface(if9),address(addr9),netmask(net9),speed(sp9)

[0061] tuple(10),interface(if10),address(addr10),netmask(net10),speed(sp10)]

[0062] It is assumed that bandwidth is added to the data attributes ofthe new program as the data version adapter of the standby processorreads the data. In this case, a reference value is 10 Mbp, and the newdata are generated by processing the data as follows if 5 tuples areadditionally provided (it is assumed that each data attribute of theadded tuples has an initial value of 0).

[0063][tuple(1),interface(if1),address(addr1),netmask(net1),speed(sp1),bandwidth(10)

[0064]tuple(2),interface(if2),address(addr2),netmask(net2),speed(sp2),bandwidth(10)

[0065]tuple(3),interface(if3),address(addr3),netmask(net3),speed(sp3),bandwidth(10)

[0066]tuple(4),interface(if4),address(addr4),netmask(net4),speed(sp4),bandwidth(10)

[0067]tuple(5),interface(if5),address(addr5),netmask(net5),speed(sp5),bandwidth(10)

[0068]tuple(6),interface(if6),address(addr6),netmask(net6),speed(sp6),bandwidth(10)

[0069]tuple(7),interface(if7),address(addr7),netmask(net7),speed(sp7),bandwidth(10)

[0070]tuple(8),interface(if8),address(addr8),netmask(net8),speed(sp8),bandwidth(10)

[0071]tuple(9),interface(if9),address(addr9),netmask(net9),speed(sp9),bandwidth(10)

[0072]tuple(10),interface(if10),address(addr10),netmask(net10),speed(sp10),bandwidth(10)

[0073]tuple(11),interface(0),address(0),netmask(0),speed(0),bandwidth(0)

[0074]tuple(12),interface(0),address(0),netmask(0),speed(0),bandwidth(0)

[0075]tuple(13),interface(0),address(0),netmask(0),speed(0),bandwidth(0)

[0076]tuple(14),interface(0),address(0),netmask(0),speed(0),bandwidth(0)

[0077]tuple(15),interface(0),address(0),netmask(0),speed(0),bandwidth(0)]

[0078] Adding and deleting the data attributes and the tuples isdetermined by the new program. The tuples are defined as a set of valuesrelated to attributes in a relation table of a relation data base. Therelation values in the relation data base are stored in a table. In thetable, rows are the attributes and columns are the tuples. The tuplesact as records in a non-relation file.

[0079] The method for implementing the new program 64 using the new data68 acts to the method for implementing the new program 64 loaded bystopping the old program 66 which is under the operation. This methoddepends on a unique method of each system.

[0080]FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a state where data versionadapters 810 and 910 and a new program 920 are loaded into doubleprocessors 800 and 900 to upgrade data of the double processors inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] If an active processor 800 and a standby processor 900 are doublyprovided in the system, the data version adapter 810 is loaded into theactive processor 800 which stores an old program 820 and an old data 830and the data version adapter 910 and the new program 920 are loaded intothe standby processor 900. The old data 830 is then changed to a newdata 930 adapted to the new program 920 by means of the data versionadapter 810 loaded into the active processor 800 and the standbyprocessor 900. Thus, the data are upgraded in such a way that theprograms of the active processor 800 and the standby processor 900 areadapted to the new data. A method for upgrading data of the doubleprocessors will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.

[0082]FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading data inthe double processors 800 and 900 of FIG. 8. It is assumed that theprocessor 800 (or the processor A) is active and the processor 900 (orthe processor B) is on standby.

[0083] If the active processor A and the standby processor B areprovided, both use the processors A and B which are operating is stoppedin step S91. The data version adapter 910 is loaded into the processor Athat stores the old program 820 and the old data 830 and at the sametime the data version adapter 910 and the new program 920 are loadedinto the standby processor B in step S92. The data version adapter 810loaded into the processor A reads the old data 830 in accordance withthe data structure of the old program 820, and transmits the read olddata 830 to the data version adapter 910 loaded into the processor B instep S93.

[0084] After receiving the old data 830, the data version adapter 910 ofthe processor B processes the old data 830 to change its structure toadapt to the new program 920 and generates and stores the new data 930by adding new contents not included in the old data 830 in step S94. Theprocessor A which is active is changed to a standby state and at thesame time the processor B which is on standby is changed to an activestate in step S95. The new program 920 loaded into the processor B whichis changed to the active state is implemented in step S96. Afterwards,it is determined whether the new program 920 is normally operated in theprocessor B in step S97.

[0085] If the new program 920 is normally operated in the processor B,the old program 820 and the old data 830, which are stored in theprocessor A, are deleted in step S98. Both of the two processors areoperated and at the same time the new program 920 and the new data 930are copied from the processor B to the processor A in step S100.

[0086] However, if the new program 920 is not normally operated in theprocessor B as a result of the step S97, the processor B is changed tothe standby state and at the same time the processor A is changed to theactive state in step S101. The old program 820 stored in the processor Ais implemented and at the same time the new program 920 and the new data930, which are stored in the processor B, are deleted in step S102. Bothprocessors are operated to return to the original state before upgradingthe program in step S103.

[0087] Generally, the data version adapters loaded into the activeprocessor and the standby processor in FIG. 8 are different programs.That is, the data version adapter loaded into the active processor actsto transmit the old data to the data version adapter of the standbyprocessor by reading the old data. The data version adapter loaded intothe standby processor acts to process the new data by receiving the olddata transmitted from the data version adapter loaded into the activeprocessor.

[0088]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading datain the double processors A and B that generate the new data 930 in theactive processor in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention. It is assumed that the processor A is active and theprocessor B is on standby.

[0089] If both the active processor A and the standby processor B areprovided, both use the processors A and B which are operating is stoppedin step S110. The data version adapter 810 is loaded into the processorA that stores the old program 820 and the old data 830 and at the sametime the data version adapter 910 and the new program 920 are loadedinto the standby processor B in step S111. After reading the old data830 in accordance with the data structure of the old program 820, thedata version adapter 810 loaded into the processor A processes the readold data 830 to change its structure to adapt to the new program 920 andgenerates the new data 930 by adding new contents not included in theold data 830 in step S112. At the same time, the new data 930 istransmitted to the data version adapter 910 loaded into the processor Bin step S113. The data version adapter 910 of the processor B receivesand stores the new data.

[0090] Afterwards, processor A which is active is changed to the standbystate and at the same time processor B which is on standby is changed tothe active state in step S114. The new program 920 loaded into theprocessor B which is changed to the active state is implemented in stepS115.

[0091] Next, it is determined whether the new program 920 is normallyoperated in the processor B in step S116. If the new program 920 isnormally operated in the processor B, the old program 820 and the olddata 830, which are stored in the processor A, are deleted in step S117.Both processors are operated in step S118 and at the same time the newprogram 920 and the new data 930 are copied from the processor B to theprocessor A in step S119.

[0092] However, if the new program 920 is not normally operated in theprocessor B as a result of the step S116, the processor B is changed tothe standby state and at the same time the processor A is changed to theactive state in step S120. The old program 820 stored in the processor Ais implemented and at the same time the new program 920 and the new data930, which are stored in the processor A, are deleted in step S121. Bothprocessors are operated to return to the original state before upgradingthe program in step S122.

[0093]FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for upgrading datain accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. To adaptold data to a new program, a data version adapter and a new program,which are means for changing old data to new data, are loaded in stepS130.

[0094] Next, it is determined whether the active processor is linked tothe other processor in S131. If the active processor is not linked tothe other processor, it corresponds to the method of FIG. 7. In thiscase, a data structure is changed and new data are generated in stepS132.

[0095] In step S133, the new program and the new data are implementedusing the result of the step S132.

[0096] Next, it is checked whether the implemented new data are normallyoperated in step S134. If the new data are normally operated, the oldprogram and the old data are deleted in step S135. If the new data arenot normally operated, the old data are implemented in step S136 and thenew data and the new program are deleted in step S137.

[0097] However, if the active processor is linked to the other processoras a result of the step S131, it is determined whether to change the olddata in the active processor in step S138. If the old data are convertedin the processor, it corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 10. In thiscase, the data are transmitted in step S139.

[0098] However, if the old data are not converted, it corresponds to theembodiment of FIG. 9. In this case, the data are transmitted to theother processor in step S140 and then are converted in step S141.Afterwards, the operation of the steps S134 to S137 is performed.

[0099] As described above, the method for upgrading data according tothe present invention has at least the following advantages. Since thenew data adapted to the new program, which will be loaded into theprocessor, are generated by processing the old data using the dataversion adapter, a time period required to add/delete elements of thesystem is minimized within several minutes and stop of service can beavoided, thereby stably managing the system.

[0100] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen described, it is understood that the present invention should notbe limited to this preferred embodiments but various changes andmodifications can be made by one skilled in the art within the spiritand scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.

[0101] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary andare not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The presentteaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Thedescription of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, andnot to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications,and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In theclaims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function and not onlystructural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for upgrading data in a processor,comprising: a) loading a new program and a means for changing old data;b) generating new data adapted to the new program by processing the olddata using the changing means; c) storing the generated new data in aseparate memory area; d) determining whether the new program operatesnormally by implementing the new data; and e) deleting an old programand the old data if the new program is determined to be operatingnormally.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step c)includes: c1) storing the new data in either a memory area of acorresponding processor or a memory area of a plurality of processorslinked to one another.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein thestep c1) includes: changing the old data to transmit the changed olddata to the linked processors; and storing the transmitted data in thememory area.
 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step c1)includes: transmitting the old data to the linked processors; andchanging the transmitted old data and storing the data in the memoryarea.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: f)implementing the old program if the new program is not normallyoperated.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the new programand the new data are deleted if the old program is implemented.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the step b) includes: b1) readingthe old data in accordance with a data structure of the old program; b2)changing the data structure of the old data to adapt to the new program;and b3) adding new contents not included in the old data.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: g) implementing the loaded newprogram by stopping the program which is operating in the processor ifthe new data is implemented by the new program.
 9. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the processor stores the old program and the olddata for a certain time period before upgrading them.
 10. A method forupgrading data in a plurality of processors, comprising: stopping use ofa first processor and a second processor; loading a first data versionadapter into the first processor and loading a second data versionadapter and a new program into the second processor; transmitting olddata to the second data version adapter using the first data versionadapter; generating and storing new data adapted to the new program byprocessing the transmitted old data using the second data versionadapter; changing states of the processors; determining whether the newprogram operates normally in the second processor; deleting the oldprogram and the old data if the new program is determined to operatenormally; and copying the new program and the new data into the firstprocessor.
 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:enabling use of the first and second processors by deleting the oldprogram and the old data and copying the new program and the new datainto the first processor.
 12. The method according to claim 10, furthercomprising: enabling use of the first and second processors by copyingthe old program and the old data into the second processor.
 13. Themethod according to claim 10, further comprising: returning the changedprocessor to its original state if the new program is not normallyoperated; implementing the old program stored in the first processor anddeleting the new program and the new data stored in the secondprocessor; and copying the old program and the old data into the secondprocessor.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the firstprocessor is in an active state and the second processor is in a standbystate.
 15. A method for upgrading data in a plurality of processorscomprising: stopping use of a first processor and a second processor;loading a first data version adapter into the first processor andloading a second data version adapter and a new program into the secondprocessor; generating new data adapted to the new program by processingold data using the first data version adapter and transmitting to andstoring the new data in the second data version adapter; changing statesof the processors; determining whether the new program operatesnormally; deleting the old program and the old data if the new programoperates normally; and copying the new program and the new data into thefirst processor.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the oldprogram and the old data are deleted and the new program and the newdata are copied into the first processor so as to enable use of thefirst and second processors.
 17. The method according to claim 15,further comprising: returning the changed processor to its originalstate if the new program is not normally operated; implementing the oldprogram stored in the first processor and deleting the new program andthe new data stored in the second processor; and copying the old programand the old data into the second processor.
 18. The method according toclaim 15, wherein the old program and the old data are copied into thesecond processor so as to enable use of the first and second processors.19. A method for updating information in a processor which includes afirst program and first data, said method comprising: loading a secondprogram and a data version adapter into the processor; generating seconddata which is compatible with the second program by modifying the firstdata; and storing the second data in the processor.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the second program is an updated versionof the first program.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein thefirst data and the second data are, at least temporarily, simultaneouslystored in a same storage device of the processor.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 21, wherein the first data and the second data arestored in non-overlapping locations in said storage device.
 23. Themethod according to claim 20, further comprising: determining whetherthe second program operates in a desired manner; and deleting the firstprogram and the first data if the second program is determined tooperate in the desired manner.
 24. The method according to claim 23,further comprising: maintaining operation of the first program if thesecond program is determined not to operate in the desired manner. 25.The method according to claim 20, wherein said generating step includes:modifying at least one of a structure and contents of the first data.26. The method according to claim 20, wherein said generating stepincludes: adding or deleting at least one data attribute of the firstdata.
 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said data attributecorresponds to at least one of interface, address, netmask, and speed.28. The method according to claim 26, wherein said generating stepincludes: modifying the first data in units of tuples.
 29. A method forupdating information in a processing system which includes a firstprocessor storing a first program and first data, said methodcomprising: loading a second program and a data version adapter into asecond processor while said second processor is in a standby state;modifying the first data using the data version adapter to generatesecond data which is compatible with the second program; and storing thesecond data in the second processor.
 30. The method according to claim29, wherein the second program is an updated version of the firstprogram.
 31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising:determining whether the second program operates in a desired manner; andif the second program is determined to operate in the desired manner,switching the second processor from standby state to active state andthe first processor from active state to standby state.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 31, further comprising: deleting the first programand the first data from the first processor if the second program isdetermined to operate in the desired manner.
 33. The method according toclaim 32, further comprising: maintaining the first processor in activestate if the second program is determined not to operate in the desiredmanner.
 34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising:deleting the second program and the second data from the secondprocessor.
 35. The method according to claim 30, wherein said modifyingstep includes: generating the second data by modifying at least one of astructure and contents of the first data.
 36. The method according toclaim 30, wherein said modifying step includes: generating the seconddata by adding or deleting at least one data attribute of the firstdata.
 37. The method according to claim 36, wherein said data attributecorresponds to at least one of interface, address, netmask, and speed.38. The method according to claim 36, wherein said modifying stepincludes: modifying the first data in units of tuples.
 39. Acomputer-readable medium in communication with a processor whichincludes a first program and first data, said medium comprising: a firstcode section which loads a second program and a data version adapterinto the processor; a second code section which generates second datawhich is compatible with the second program by modifying the first data;and a third code section which stores the second data in the processor.40. A computer-readable medium in communication with a first processorwhich includes a first program and first data, said medium comprising: afirst code section which loads a second program and a data versionadapter into a second processor while said second processor is in astandby state; a second code section which modifies the first data usingthe data version adapter to generate second data which is compatiblewith the second program; and a third code section which stores thesecond data in the second processor.